The dreary day that started out as drizzle, was just clear enough at the summit to take in some of the foliage views. I think that most of the 8 ladies on the hike would agree that the summit was the best part of this hike, although it is a lovely trial. It was really cold and breezy and the first snowflakes were spittin’……how fun is that?! :)
We had all kinds of weather... rain on the drive up through Pinkham Notch, humidity heading up, cool fog at the summit, breaks of sunshine at the summit of the Horn and more pleasant temps and air for the way down. The scenery is beautiful with a lot of mud along the trail. The final rock scramble to the top of the Horn is a group sport with helping hands to pull or push you up.
The foliage was noticeably more progressed from the notch north; beautiful colors coming along.
Ginger, Tracy, and Dick hiked up the Falling Waters trail (aptly named) to the top of Little Haystack. Below are Ginger and Tracy at one of several scenic waterfalls along the way.
We passed Sandy high up on the mountain, also doing the loop with friends. A short way below the top, Doug and Pam having started later, passed us. Below are the group atop Little Haystack, with Mt Lincoln behind us, further up the Franconia Ridge.
The weather was perfect for this hike - totally clear, with spectacular views in all directions. The trail is above tree line for over two miles. Below is the view eastward from atop Lafayette, looking over the Pemigewasset Wilderness, not seen from any roadway. Seen in the foreground is the long hump of Owls Head, over 1,000 feet lower and which we did last week. Beyond that and a bit to the left are the Bonds, and further out and back a bit toward the right is Carrigain.
Doug B. led the B group up Mt. Hayes out of Gorham, NH. An interesting start crossing over the river. We took a detour to the pond, then worked our way to the summit using the Mahoosuc trail. Once at the scenic overlook, we took in the views but made our way to the actual summit just a bit further.
We then decided to make the trek over to the Centennial trail junction and that was worth the trip. We met a thru hiker family, heading north to Maine. They were carrying all the usual gear, but in addition had a one and two year old with them as well. I couldn't help but have a million questions like diapers, and temper tantrums, but they were making good time and I had lunch on my mind. All in all it was another great day on the mountain.
The Turtles hiked Mt. Roberts on Sept. 14 -- an absolutely gorgeous day to enjoy the amazing views. Half of the group headed straight back down from the top, and the other half took a longer route down (High Ridge Trail to Faraway Trail to Cold Spring Trail), treating ourselves to a well-deserved ice cream after a hike of 8.7 miles.
Lea, John, Ricky, Mary, Peter, Tracy, Deb. Jorge
Photographer: Andy
